KATHMANDU, June 21 (NNN-NEPALNEWS) – The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung (Geelong) border point, between Nepal and China, is likely to reopen within a week after the closure for about five months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepali officials said.
It is one of the two main border points for international trade between the two countries. The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point remained closed since Jan. The Tatopani-Zhangmu border point was reopened in late Mar.
“We have reached an understanding with the Chinese side to reopen the Rasuwagadhi-Geelong border point in the next few days,” Navaraj Dhakal, joint secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, said. “On Thursday, we received a letter from the Chinese side, agreeing to reopen this border point for the movement of goods.”
According to the official, once the local authorities of the two countries at the border area reach a conclusion on the operational procedure of cross border movement of goods, the border will come into formal operation. “I think the border point will formally be opened within a week.”
Nepali officials said, local authorities of both sides will prepare an operational procedure, defining how the movement of goods should proceed with minimal human contacts.
“We are in contact with the Chinese border customs officials,” Punya Bikram Khadka, chief customs officer at Rasuwagadhi, said. “We hope to hold a meeting with the Chinese side to conclude the procedure of cargo movement across the border in the next one or two days.”
Right after the reopening of the border point, Nepal plans to bring back goods stranded in warehouses in Geelong and other locations in China.
Khadka said, the Nepali side has already submitted a list of stranded goods to China, including electronics, machinery, equipment related to solar plants, equipment related to hydro-power projects, electrical goods and garments.
